Citizen Science at Monte Ciocci Park in Rome (RealUrbanGreen pilot area)

Launching participatory monitoring of Urban Green Spaces (UGS)

On 15 April 2026, the Monte Ciocci Park in Rome hosted a Citizen Science initiative במסגרת the European project RealUrbanGreen, co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme.

The event marked the official launch of participatory monitoring activities in the park, engaging citizens, associations, students, and experts in the co-creation of knowledge on urban green spaces and their environmental and social benefits.

From research to community action

A key highlight of the event was the contribution of Giuliano Blancato, researcher at the University of Valencia and partner of the RealUrbanGreen project, who initiated the Citizen Science activities at Monte Ciocci Park.

Through hands-on demonstrations, he introduced participants to practical methodologies for environmental monitoring, with a particular focus on soil analysis and field-based observation techniques. His contribution laid the groundwork for a structured and scientifically sound approach to citizen-led data collection in the coming months. During the afternoon, participants were introduced to tools and methodologies supporting Citizen Science activities, including the use of the GREENGAGE app, which enables users to collect and share environmental data, contributing to more informed and participatory decision-making processes.

The programme included:

• an introduction to Citizen Science and its benefits for environment and communities;
• the launch of the first practical monitoring activities among those foreseen by the project;
• field experiments focusing on soil, biodiversity, microclimate, and the quality of urban spaces;
• a participatory pathway towards a shared model for urban green space management.

Building an open and shared knowledge base

The initiative aims to contribute to the creation of an open and accessible database on urban green spaces, supporting more transparent, evidence-based, and inclusive public decision-making.

By actively involving local communities, the activity represents a concrete step towards more resilient and sustainable urban environments, where citizens play a central role in the care and management of their territory.

A pilot action within the RealUrbanGreen framework

The Monte Ciocci initiative is part of the broader RealUrbanGreen effort to develop and test innovative, participatory models for urban green management across European pilot areas.